The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

Early riser. Dropped Rosie off to work and then straight to football training with the boy. Chicken legs. He reads the game so well but has not the strength to do what he wants to do. He will develop in time. Usually I woule be a few hours into a gambling session by now. I think I will be alright this weekend. Children fed. Dishes clean. I think I'll change the bedding and hoover the house. A happy Mrs has its own rewards after all. I keep forgetting that. More fool me.

I have decided to change the title of my thread. Making light of a terrible situation is one of many a coping mechanisms I have developed over the years. However, I can see how the the previous title was one of blase understatement and hope I did not offend anyone. Sorry.

Day 5. Done.

GT you have nailed it on the head. There are too many opportunities. The local shop has a massive turnover of staff and it is easy to be anonymous. Having self excluded from numerous sites you would not believe how many duplicate accounts I have set up giving a slightly different date if birth and address. For me it is down to good old fashioned willpower. Thank you so much for posting. Mark

Sorry - NT!

Hi Markman,

Just read one of your posts on NT's thread, and remembered you from a few years ago.

Hang in there my friend, things will get better. You know you can beat this if you just take 'One day at a time'....

Keep strong

All the best

Ade

Thanks for dropping by Ade. Hadn't forgotton you as you will have noted!

Good Morning Diary,

How sweet it is to log on and see "hasn't gambled for 6 days" on my profile.

I very much wish it were 600, however the way I am feeling just now it may as well be.

Life is tough. Money is tight. The future is never certain. But today I have not gambled and have not made things any worse for myself. Hopefully if I continue to abstain things will only get better from here.

I finally accept that I am an addict and that I need to stop all forms of gambling.

I am here for good this time and will not return the fool again. One week tomorrow.

Be strong and good luck to all in your recovery!

Mark

One Week to the Good!

I am now 8 days gamble free. This is probably my longest spell of abstinence for about two years. With each day of absitnence my resolve to beat this "terrible affliction" (brownie points if you can place the quote) grows. I am already a better man for it.

As I write I check the cricket score on my android. It is going to be a close one for my team. Win or lose for them, I certainly win because I chose not to place a bet. The other team bangs in a six. Probably game over for my team. But not to worry. I stand to lose nothing. I will not be emptying my bank account and chasing another loss. Not today. Game over. My favourite team has lost, but I win because I have remained steadfast in my resolve.

It is my wife's birthday next week. I look forward to the weekend. Like a normal person I will be buying her some things she will love, but more importantly, on her birthday, I will be by her side and my attention will be on her.

Mark

Hi Mark,

Great stuff 8 days of freedom from that horrendous addiction,

Take care.

Suzanne xx

Renton in trainspotting by Irvine Welsh? Well done on 8 days long may it continue

many thanks Suzannexx

Rents indeed - Blue Peter Badge to day@atime!

A great film - I am not a pharmaceutical dependent but boy can I relate!

Stay strong guys!

Where there is pain, hopelessness & disatisfication with ones own life addiction in whatever form exists & thrives

That is beautiful day@atime! Your own?

Day 9.

Thank you to everyone who has posted on my diary. I am really busy at work this week but will most definitely be returning the complement in due course.

Only 9 days of abstinence and I feel as though I have the strength never to succmb to the might of Gamblor again (another obscure cross reference, anyone?)!

I wish everyone who reads this (any anyone else for that matter) the strength and fight needed to beat this evil within us all!

Best wishes,

Mark